Cuba HR Report 2013
Cuba There were some improvements in the human rights situation in Cuba in 2013, although there are still significant areas of concern. The Cuban government’s economic reform programme continued to slowly expand economic freedoms. Ordinary Cubans appeared more willing to speak openly, particularly on economic issues, and were able to travel more freely, thanks to a new migration law. The fact that the Cuban government did not take any action in response to critical statements from the Catholic Church and others may also indicate greater tolerance for debate. Support for social and cultural rights, including free universal access to healthcare and education, were broadly maintained. Religious freedom and LGBT rights continued to be respected. The Cuban government marked International Human Rights Day by organising a human rights forum focused on gender, LGBT, and religious freedoms. However, we also had significant human rights concerns in 2013. The government continued to silence dissent; deny basic civil and political rights; and opposition activists faced short- term detentions throughout the year, including around International Human Rights Day. Media freedom and internet access remain heavily restricted and, although the Cuban government opened 118 new internet cafes on 4 June, the access they provide is restricted and expensive. The judiciary is tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party. There were six internationally recognised prisoners of conscience in Cuba at the end of 2013. In 2013, the UK continued to raise human rights concerns with Cuban authorities while at the same time engaging constructively to promote reform. We encouraged further progress on political and economic freedoms, and we maintained our engagement with the Cuban government, human rights defenders (HRDs), opposition activists and broader civil society, including the Catholic Church, to encourage positive change on human rights.
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